The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact turned off the vehicle, and while inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was a puddle of oil on the ground underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a nearby Ford dealer, where it was diagnosed with camshaft and engine failure. The contact was informed that the camshaft and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of Technical Service Bulletin: 22-EM-006H-2. The contact was advised to tow the vehicle to a Hyundai dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to an alternate dealer where the failure was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. In addition, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact was informed that the repair was denied because of the previous owner's negligence with maintenance of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 120,744.
2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine problems
41 complaints (43% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 102,000.
- owner complaints
- 41
- of this car's complaints
- 43%
- typical mileage
- 102,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Engine failure 13Check engine light 11Stalling 9Knocking 8Loss of power 8Overheating 7Won't start 5
Related recalls
Engine
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
- Risk
- A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.
Recall number 20V746000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Loss of Motive Power
the federal safety agency received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitionersâ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODIâs evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to the federal safety agency which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. Â There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in the federal safety agency's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agencyâs reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to the federal safety agency cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
DP22003
Engine Fires
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement. Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia. The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2011 Kia Sorento, and MY 2012-2015 Kia Rio. The latter issue involved approximately 2.5 million recalled vehicles, which have been identified as displaying potential remedy concerns: Hyundai recalls 15V‑568, 17V‑226, 20V‑746, and 21V‑727; and Kia recalls 17V‑224, 19V‑120, 20V‑750, and 21V‑844. Regarding the recall scope issue, among all of the scope vehicles identified at EA opening, ODI found only the MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with both the Theta II 2.4L 4-cylinder Multi-Point Injection (MPI) and the Lambda II 3.5L 6-cylinder MPI engines experienced relatively high rates of reported fires. In December 2023, Kia issued recall 23V‑877 that will cover about 80,000 MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.4L MPI engines.  The remedy will involve an inspection, and if necessary, a replacement of the engine, as well as the installation of KSDS.  It should be noted that in 2021 these vehicles were included in a KSDS product improvement campaign with warranty extension. For the MY 2011 Sorento vehicles equipped with the Lambda II 3.5L engines, ODI believes that future engine failures/fires involving these vehicles will likely be due to a lax in adhering to the proper or scheduled engine maintenance (regular engine oil changes), rather than a design or manufacturing engine issue. Regarding the issue of the efficacy of the recall remedies, ODI found the majority of the recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles, by model, experienced lower reported fire rates after the remedies were applied. Furthermore, ODI found that for most vehicles that did not receive the recall remedies, by model, experienced relatively high fire rates. To address this problem, Hyundai informed ODI in December 2023, that it will renotify all of its owners covered by the Hyundai recalls of engine failures/fires every 8 months for the next 3 years. In December 2023, Kia stated that it will renotify the majority of its owners every 8 months for the next 3 years.Several previously recalled Kia models are excluded from the renotification due to their lower reported rates of engine fires. Overall, the renotification actions will help to increase the recall completion rates, thus reduce the frequency of engine fires in the future. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia and renotification actions being taken by both Kia and Hyundai, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis. Also, both companies have been released from the 2020-iniated Consent Orders (Kia since November 2022 and Hyundai since November 2023). The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
EA21003
What 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 60 MPH, there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact immediately pulled over to inspect the vehicle. Upon checking under the hood, the contact noticed that the coolant level was low. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the engine had overheated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and had recall repair was completed. The contact stated that two weeks after the repair, while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound with the battery warning light illuminated. The contact parked in a parking lot and restarted the vehicle but continued to experience the failure. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to Allen Turner Hyundai (6501 Pensacola Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32505: (850) 479-9667) however, the vehicle was not serviced at the dealer. The vehicle was towed back to the first dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred seven times. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had stated that the engine was replaced; however, the vehicle was not able to be started. The approximate failure mileage was 176,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving there was an abnormal knocking noise detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The contact stated the failure was like the federal safety agency Campaign number 20V746000 (Engine). The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 hyundai sonata. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine and service engine soon warning lights illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact took the vehicle jim ellis hyundai atlanta (5785 peachtree blvd, atlanta, ga 30341) to be diagnosed on several occasions. The mechanic inspected the vehicle but could not determine the cause for the failure. The mechanic assured her that the vehicle was safe to drive. Several months later while driving 70 MPH, the service soon and check engine warning lights illuminated and the vehicle overheated. The vehicle stalled and would not restart. The vehicle was left at a nearby parking lot overnight. The following day she returned and restarted the vehicle however, while driving to take the vehicle to an independent mechanic, the vehicle overheated, stalled, with a hint of smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic where it remained for two days while the mechanic attempted to diagnose the vehicle. She was informed that the engine was blown and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was returned to the same dealer and she was informed by the service manager that she was responsible for the failure. The contact informed the service manager that the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v746000 (engine). The contact had notified the dealer for several months of the issues with the warning lights being illuminated and was informed that the vehicle was safe to drive. The contact stated that the same dealer performed a multi-point check on the vehicle prior to the failure, and she was informed that the vehicle was safe to be driven. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 hyundai sonata hybrid. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v746000 (engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 hyundai sonata hybrid. The contact received notification for the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v746000 (engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that lee hyundai (located at 1960 skibo rd, fayetteville, nc 28314, (910) 684-4827) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle failed to start. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The part was not available for the repair. Vin tool confirm parts not available. The failure mileage was unknown
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 hyundai sonata hybrid. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v746000 (engine). The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The engine overheat message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to conicelli hyundai (1208 ridge pike, conshohocken, pa 19428, (610) 624-2029) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was thermostat blockage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 hyundai sonata hybrid. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, there was an abnormal clunking sound detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v746000 (engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was towed to amarillo hyundai (1900 interstate 40 access rd #3029, amarillo, tx 79103, (806) 376-4911) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. The part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 105,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Questions about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine
Does the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have engine problems?
Owners have filed 41 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 43% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 102,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 20V746000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have bad engine?
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid model years with the most engine complaints are 2016 (76 complaints), 2012 (71 complaints) and 2017 (50 complaints).
Other 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems
Steering 18Brakes 17Electrical 17Transmission 10Airbags 8Driver assistance 6Acceleration 5Seat belts 3Wheels 3Fuel system 2Suspension 2Body 1Lights 1Visibility 1
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history